The effect of carbon sources on the ability to synthesize phycocyanine and treat domestic wastewater of Spirulina platensis

Abstract

The simultaneous treatment of domestic wastewater and phycocyanine production by the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis is considered a promising approach towards the circular economy. To enhance wastewater treatment and phycocyanine biosynthesis by cyanobacteria, the effects of organic carbon on the growth and nutrient removal of Spirulina platensis were investigated. The results showed that the highest phycocyanine content was 82.54 mg/L in the domestic wastewater treatment with glucose. The removal efficiencies of N-NH₄⁺, P-PO₄^3-, T-P, and COD were 92 %, 81 %, 71 %, and 81 %, respectively, after 12 days of study. This work also showed that Spirulina platensis could reduce organic pollutants simultaneously, remove N and P, and accumulate phycocyanine.